650B

While there may be a linear relationship between increased tire size and increased fun, this relationship only holds true when wider tires are paired with the correct width rims. Having a 2.8", or high-volume, tire mated to a narrow rim makes for a squirmy, poor handling experience, and when you’re on the hunt for additional fun, these characteristics are undesirable. Lucky for you, the new age of traction, stability, and speed has arrived—and its name is the Traverse 38 SL Fattie 27.5.
Along with light overall weight, stiffness, and durability, another top priority for the Traverse SL was ease of use. First off, we got rid of the creaky straight-pull spokes and corrosion-prone alloy nipples. Next up, we landed on 28 J-bend spokes, for front and rear wheels, that are all the same length—making it easy to find replacements if needed. And finally, we engineered a new hub design, with a wider profile and higher flange to aid in overall stiffness.
While our 38-millimeter Traverse SL is already wider than most offerings, the benefits of three-inch tires become more apparent with a proper rim interface. In search for the proper width, our engineers tested various iterations, from 30 to 45 millimeters, to determine where the sweet spot lies. What they ended up with is a 38-millimeter internal rim width that turns the Traverse 38 SL Fatties into descending machines.
A wide internal rim width endows riders with a variety of advantages that are exemplified even more with plus-sized tires. The extra width allows for more tire volume, translating into more supple ride qualities, and better support for the tire, meaning that you'll experience less "burping" when riding tubeless and a drastic increase in traction. After determining the proper rim width for the plus-sized application, we began designing the rim using the same low-weight, high-strength technologies used in the Traverse SL and the Control SL. With this, we started with our Zero Bead Hook design that effectively eliminates the biggest weak spot found in traditional rims, and topped it off by using high-modulus carbon fiber to keep the weight down. And to further this theme, the wheels also include the Roval tubeless plug system, which sheds an additional 50 grams-per-wheel compared to a rim strip
Each Traverse 38 SL Fattie is hand-built to our own alloy hubs with DT Swiss Competition Race spokes. Inside our hubs, you'll find sealed cartridge bearings all-around, and a quick-engaging 54t DT Swiss star ratchet system in the rear that allows you to power over rocks and roots without delay. And while machines do a decent job of building wheels, we choose professionally trained humans to build ours, as they catch various flaws that a machine would otherwise miss.

At the helm of taking traction, stability, speed, and stiffness to new heights stands the Roval Traverse Fattie 38 27.5 wheels. And while, yes, they feature a lightweight alloy rim and a quality build, what turns them into descending machines is the 38mm internal rim width. Let's find out why.
The reason behind this is easy: Aside from the lightweight and ultra-rugged E5 alloy construction, the combination of the rim width with wider hub flanges creates an increase in plus-sized tire volume. This means that you get more suppleness in the ride quality. But not only this, the ample width also better supports the tire, so you'll experience less "burping" when riding tubeless, as well as a drastic increase in traction.
Along with light overall weight, stiffness, and durability, another top priority for the Traverse was ease of use. First off, we got rid of the creaky straight-pull spokes and corrosion-prone alloy nipples. Next up, we landed on 28 J-bend spokes, for front and rear wheels, that are all the same length—making it easy to find replacements if needed. And finally, we engineered a new hub design, with a wider profile and higher flange to aid in overall stiffness.
These aren't just a one-trick pony, though. At the front hub, you'll get a 15x110mm thru-axle (end cap options included), and at the rear, the 148mm hub features DT Swiss internals for lightning-fast engagement and acceleration. And to top everything off, these wheels are hand-built to ensure the perfect tension and a long lifespan.
Whether you've just picked up a new 27.5+ bike, or you're curious to try out high-volume tires, like a 2.8", on your Boost™-spaced 29er, the Traverse 38 Fattie 27.5 wheels will leave you impressed after the first spin.

650b bikes are all about fun and nimble handling, and the Specialized Stout XC 650b wheels delivers on this in spades—no matter if you're just getting started or you're a seasoned trail rider. It's been built tough to meet the rigors of mountain biking head-on, while the nimble wheel size guarantees a good time. It features a durable, double-wall alloy rim construction that adds strength without stacking on the weight. And to ensure that you'll be able to stop once you get motoring, the wheels are both disc-compatible. High value just met high performance.
- Disc-compatible hubs can also be used with traditional rim brakes
- Double-wall rims are strong and durable
- Machined braking surface creates superior stopping power in any condition
- Stainless spokes won't rust, easing long-term maintenance
- 8-/9-speed cassette rear hub provides plenty of gearing options for climbing and riding the flats

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